What is a neuroendocrine tumor (NET)?
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a rare type of pancreatic tumor that originates from neuroendocrine cells, which are specialized cells found throughout the body, including the pancreas. NETs can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may vary in size, location, and aggressiveness. While NETs are uncommon, they can have significant implications for pancreatic health and overall well-being.
There are several types of NETs in addition to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors including:
- Adrenal cancer
- Carcinoid tumors
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Paraganglioma
- Pheochromocytoma
What are symptoms of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors?
Symptoms of NETs may vary depending on the size, location, and hormone-producing capabilities of the tumor. Common symptoms associated with pancreatic NETs may include:
- Dull or sharp pain in the abdomen, particularly in the upper abdomen or back.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) may occur if the tumor obstructs the bile ducts, leading to bile accumulation.
- Unexplained weight loss may occur due to changes in metabolism or nutrient absorption.
- Some NETs produce hormones that can cause specific symptoms, such as flushing, fatigue, diarrhea, wheezing, or changes in blood sugar levels.
What causes neuroendocrine tumors?
The exact cause of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to their development, including:
- Genetic mutations or inherited syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
- Chronic inflammation of the pancreas, such as in cases of chronic pancreatitis, may increase the risk of developing pancreatic NETs.
How is an NET diagnosed?
Diagnosing NETs typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI, or octreotide scan to visualize the tumor and assess its characteristics.
What are treatment options for NETs?
Treatment for NETs depends on various factors, including the size, location, grade, and stage of the tumor, as well as the presence of symptoms.
Treatment options may include:
- Surgical removal of the tumor may be recommended for localized NETs to remove as much or all of the tumor as possible.
- Medications such as somatostatin analogs, targeted therapies, or chemotherapy may be used to manage symptoms, slow tumor growth, or control hormone secretion in advanced or metastatic NETs.
- External beam radiation therapy or targeted radiation therapy, PRRT (e.g., peptide receptor radionuclide therapy) may be used to treat localized or metastatic NETs and alleviate symptoms.